There’s nothing quite like the nostalgia of a hearty Sloppy Joe tender ground beef simmered to perfection in a rich, tangy, and slightly sweet sauce. This crockpot version takes all the work out of it, letting your slow cooker bring out deep, savory flavors while you go about your day. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this dish delivers warmth, comfort, and satisfaction in every bite.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 small green bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 hamburger buns
Instructions
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat and transfer the beef to the crockpot.
- Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper to the crockpot with the beef.
- In a bowl, whisk together ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the beef and vegetables. Stir to combine well.
- Cover and cook on Low for 6–8 hours or High for 3–4 hours, until the sauce thickens and the vegetables are tender.
- Give the mixture a final stir, then serve hot on hamburger buns.
Variation
- Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version with the same great flavor.
- Add a kick of heat by mixing in a teaspoon of chili flakes or a splash of hot sauce.
- For a smoky twist, stir in a spoonful of barbecue sauce or a dash of liquid smoke.
Cooking Notes
- Browning the meat before slow cooking adds a deeper, richer flavor to the dish.
- If the sauce is too thin after cooking, remove the lid and let it simmer on high for 15–20 minutes to thicken.
- You can prep the sauce mixture the night before and refrigerate it to save time in the morning.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve the Sloppy Joe mixture on toasted hamburger buns or brioche rolls for extra texture.
- Pair with crispy fries, potato wedges, or coleslaw for a complete comfort meal.
- Spoon leftovers over baked potatoes or use as a filling for sliders at parties.
Tips
- For easier cleanup, use a slow cooker liner.
- Add a handful of shredded cheese on top just before serving for a gooey finish.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days they reheat beautifully on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Prep Time:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6–8 hours (Low) or 3–4 hours (High)
- Total Time: 6–8 hours 10 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 22 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can I make these Sloppy Joes ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the mixture a day in advance, store it in the fridge, and reheat it in the slow cooker or on the stovetop when ready to serve. -
Can I freeze Crockpot Sloppy Joes?
Absolutely. Let the mixture cool completely, then store it in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving. -
What can I use instead of hamburger buns?
You can use sandwich rolls, slider buns, or even spoon the mixture over rice, pasta, or baked potatoes for a fun twist. -
How do I prevent my buns from getting soggy?
Toast them lightly before serving or spread a thin layer of butter on the inside to create a barrier against the sauce.
Conclusion
Crockpot Sloppy Joes are the ultimate no-fuss comfort food hearty, flavorful, and family-approved. The slow cooker does all the work, blending sweet, savory, and tangy notes into a deliciously messy sandwich that everyone will love. Perfect for weeknights, game days, or anytime you crave something nostalgic and satisfying.
Print
Crockpot Sloppy Joes
- Total Time: 6–8 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
There’s nothing quite like the nostalgia of a hearty Sloppy Joe tender ground beef simmered to perfection in a rich, tangy, and slightly sweet sauce. This crockpot version takes all the work out of it, letting your slow cooker bring out deep, savory flavors while you go about your day. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this dish delivers warmth, comfort, and satisfaction in every bite.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 small green bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 hamburger buns
Instructions
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat and transfer the beef to the crockpot.
- Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper to the crockpot with the beef.
- In a bowl, whisk together ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the beef and vegetables. Stir to combine well.
- Cover and cook on Low for 6–8 hours or High for 3–4 hours, until the sauce thickens and the vegetables are tender.
- Give the mixture a final stir, then serve hot on hamburger buns.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a dash of smoked paprika or hot sauce.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Toasting the buns before serving adds a nice crunch and prevents sogginess.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6–8 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
Keywords: crockpot sloppy joes, slow cooker beef, easy dinner recipes, classic sandwiches